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Robert Zemeckis' CGI adaptation of the classic hero epic, Beowulf, released to the big screens on November 16th, 2007. Much anticipated for the impressive computer generated animation, Beowulf certainly doesn't disappoint in the visual entertainment category. It would have been easy in many of the scenes to forget the movie was all done on the computers, and to believe that what was being seen were live actors and sets. Seen in Imax 3D, the movie becomes a fun and stunning immersive experience.
Where Beowulf falls short is in the faithful adaptation of the original story. The new movie utilizes the names and general settings of the epic, but the progression of events progressively diverges farther from the traditional tale, leading to a much different portrayal of the hero. This is particularly true of Beowulf's interaction with Grendl's mother, and while the movie plot offers an interesting and intriguing story, those familiar with the original are going to take exception to the radical departure.
I will give Zemeckis props on one regard; the movie presents a concept of the difference between the epic songs and the underlying story, and Beowulf is portrayed as something of an embellisher. He is still a mighty warrior and a great hero, but given to exaggeration and braggadocio; it's not enough to have defeated an enemy. The tale of his exploits becomes more impressive with each retelling. It isn't just the character himself given to inflating the action, for even when he attempts to tell his trusted friend the true story later in life, the friend insists on the impressive tale rather than the flawed, human one. In this, one finds the connection between the classic poem and the modern movie. Heroes are not so much defined by their real actions, but rather by how those actions are eventually reported.
There was a great deal of discussion concerning Angelina Jolie's part as Grendl's mother, and the fact that this creature appears in Jolie's basic nude form. Talking over the movie with several others who have seen it, I've found that it seems just how "nude" the demon appears depends on what the viewer was looking for. Myself, I saw the demon as having the form of a naked woman, but obscured as though coated in wet paint or a form-fitting suit. Another friend swears he saw ample details. Whether the animation was "anatomically correct" or not, it wasn't blatantly obvious. It is clear from early in the film that this demon is not human, for the hand and tail shown prior to her revealing herself to Beowulf are definitely those of some other creature. An interesting trait of the demon's human form is that her incredibly long braid retains the prehensile nature of the demon's tail. Her naked feet having spike heels, however, I thought was just plain silly.
The blatant nudity of the film is all male, beginning first with King Hrothgar's barely draped form showing up for the revelry in the mead-hall. Hrothgar is voiced and modeled by Anthony Hopkins, and CGI did little to make the aging king appear more attractive (unless you're just really into middle-aged men that haven't kept themselves in the best of shape). Later, Beowulf (voiced and modeled by Ray Winstone) sheds his clothing in order to battle Grendl essentially as equals, since the attacking monster wields no weapon and wears neither clothing nor armor. The blocking of Beowulf's fontal nudity is almost as amusing as that done to cover Bart Simpson in The Simpsons Movie, though without the momentary visual gag of blocking everything but the genitals.
Beowulf contains ample scenes of violence and sexuality, though the CGI does tend to mute them somewhat. It may not be suitable for younger audiences, or for the purists of classic folklore. For those looking to watch a "sword-and-sorcery" type movie with impressive visuals and plenty of action, it may be right up your fjord.
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